How to Easily Clean a Stainless-Steel Sink with Natural Products

27 February 2023
Est. Reading: 3 minutes
What's in This Guide?
Cleaning Items You'll Need.
Protective rubber gloves
Dishwashing soap [Washing soda method only]
Baking soda [Baking soda method only]
Water
Non-abrasive plastic scrubber/scourer
Microfiber towel
White vinegar

Introduction

This tutorial is the essential guide to cleaning stainless steel sinks and drain holes with natural products only. We'll show you two methods to get your sink clean and shiny, starting off with household washing soda. Closely followed by the baking soda and vinegar method. They are completely natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, with the added bonus of saving you pennies.

Both the washing soda and baking soda methods are simple and effective, and they will make your drab sink shine in no time. Many people are unsure of the best way to clean a stainless steel sink at home. Fortunately, it is not difficult to care for your sink when you use the right products. Read on to find out more!

Two Tried and True Methods for Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel kitchen sinks are popular in many households nowadays, and for good reason. They are durable, heat resistant and easy to clean. However, they are prone to greasy fingerprints, water stains, and streaks from everyday spills. You can easily handle this and get your kitchen sink back to looking bright and clean by following the steps listed below.

The Washing Soda Method

Did you Know?
Did you know washing soda is one of the key ingredients in washing powder? The pH of washing soda is 11.9, which is high. Resulting in an effective cleaning action.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step One:
Sprinkle washing soda over the stainless steel sink.

Step Two:
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to some water and pour a small amount over the washing soda.

Step Three:
Use a wet non-abrasive plastic scrubber to scrub the sink. Focusing particularly on areas with stains or stuck-on dirt.

Step Four:
Rinse away the washing soda with warm water.

Step Five:
Use the microfibre towel to wipe and buff for a streak-free finish.

To remove stubborn stains in the plughole:

Step One:
Pour dry washing soda into the plughole.

Step Two:
Pour some vinegar onto the plastic scourer.

Step Three:
Scrub with the non-abrasive scourer to loosen and remove stains.

Step Four:
Rinse away with warm water and use a microfibre towel to dry and buff.

Interested in making your own washing soda? Why not read our guide on how to make washing soda at home?

Top Tip!
The trick to avoiding spots and streaks is to polish everything with a clean microfiber towel.

The Baking Soda Method

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step One:
Sprinkle some baking soda (pH 8) into the stainless steel sink.

Step Two:
Pour a small amount of vinegar over your plastic scourer.

Step Three:
Scrub the sink with a non-abrasive plastic scourer. Focus on the areas with stains or stuck-on grime.

Step Four:
Rinse well with warm water to remove all the residue.

Step Five:
Use the microfibre towel to wipe dry and buff.

The Science Behind Mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar

When you combine vinegar with baking soda, a chemical reaction takes place and carbon dioxide bubbles are formed. The trick is not to pre-mix the two ingredients in a bottle. Rather, apply them to a surface, resulting in a reaction between the two that will break down stains.

Once the reaction has stopped (i.e.: it has stopped frizzing), you are left with water. Which means that it will no longer be effective in cleaning stains.

Washing Soda vs. Baking Soda Stainless Steel Cleaner: Which is the best?

We had great success with both methods. There is not much difference between the two, they both work well and are effective in naturally cleaning your stainless steel sink. So, we must declare a tie; they are both, ironically, better than the cleaners you keep under the kitchen sink.

The key point to remember is that both of these ways use a scrubbing and scouring action, rather than the pH, to help clean the sink. Additionally having the added benefit of being gentle enough to not scratch the stainless steel sink. Your sink will sparkle in no time with a little TLC!

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